Events in Salinas, CA

Date Night Tuesday offers a four course dinner for two featuring Chef’s pintxos, a Caesar salad, your choice of paella, and churros for dessert, paired with two glasses of Estéban’s Signature Sangria for $79. Paella options include Del Mar, La Granja, and Primavera, each prepared in a style inspired by Spanish cuisine. Reservations are recommended.

Settle into a cozy fireside spot in the lounge and enjoy live piano music from Dave Conley.

Tipsy Putt in Monterey hosts a weekly Geeks Who Drink trivia quiz. There is no charge to play, the questions and bonus challenges are refreshed each week, and you can compete as a team of 2 to 6 or arrive solo and team up with others. Winners earn prizes, and cold beer is available. You can RSVP for free to add it to your calendar.

Set at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa, this inaugural Argentine tango marathon offers four days of dancing paired with coastal relaxation. The organizers have arranged discounted options for hiking, wine tasting, and whale watching, making it easy to mix time on the dance floor with outdoor adventures. The setting puts you close to the beach, Carmel, and the famous aquarium, so you can explore the area between tandas or unwind at the onsite spa. Guests staying at the hotel can also enjoy the steam room, sauna, pool, and fitness center, and there are additional lodging choices in the area. A couples-only full pass is currently available, with a notable discount intended to help maintain a balanced experience. Expect a welcoming community of tango enthusiasts from San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Monterey, and Santa Cruz, and music curated by respected DJs from the Western United States. If cooler coastal weather sounds appealing, this marathon blends vibrant social dancing with the best of Monterey’s surroundings.

Young photographers in grades 5 to 8 can build skills and confidence through The Weston Collective’s Community Youth Photography Program. Sessions take place at the studio in Seaside, where a welcoming, hands-on format introduces both digital and film-based approaches. Participants learn to operate digital cameras, compose striking images, and edit with purpose. They also spend time in the darkroom printing their own work, practicing how to shoot and develop film to better understand the roots of the craft. The program supports all experience levels, encouraging creative expression while teaching the technical foundations needed to make compelling photographs. Opportunities are available for high school students to serve as mentor assistants and gain volunteer hours and experience.

This weekly Tech Café provides an opportunity to get answers to basic tech questions and to try a different piece of technology. Sessions are typically held at the Main Library, unless otherwise indicated. The featured equipment rotates monthly, with examples such as Doodle Pens, Makey Makeys circuit boards, a 3D printer, Spheros programmable robots, Cricut, a Glowforge laser cutter, and iPad stop motion movie making. The Glowforge session in June takes place at the Freedom Branch. Open to all ages.

Live music returns to the garden patio at Estéban Restaurant with performances by local favorite Spanish guitarist Catherine Broz. The complete seasonal dinner menu will be offered during the performance, and reservations are required. Tapas Happy Hour is available daily, and dinner is served on the patio and in the dining room throughout the week.

Take a comfortable seat by the fireplace and enjoy live piano by Dave Conley in the lounge.

This California Convention and Chapter Awards Celebration in Monterey, CA brings together activities, an awards program, updates on conservation work, food, and a state banquet. Highlights include bingo, volunteer training sessions, and updates from the organization. The program features guest speaker Dr. Karen Waldrop, Chief Operating Officer. The gathering also commemorates 40 years of DU wetland project work in California, with nearly one million acres conserved. Discounted rooms are available through a room block. For information and details, contact State Chairman Adam Parrish at 408-476-0432.

Estéban Restaurant presents a Friday night prime rib feature. It showcases a 12-ounce cut with a porcini mushroom crust, accompanied by grilled asparagus, creamy horseradish, and smashed potatoes enriched with dry-aged beef fat. The full special is $49. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 831-375-0176.

Rather Awards shines a spotlight on individuals, businesses, and organizations driving meaningful change in the Pajaro Valley. The program honors community champions whose leadership, service, and dedication uplift neighbors and improve lives across the region. Throughout the evening, honorees are recognized for creating lasting positive change and helping to strengthen the community for generations to come. Tickets are required and must be purchased in advance.

Next Stop Comedy brings a night of stand-up to Lucy’s on Lighthouse in Pacific Grove, featuring a fresh roster of comedians at every show. Audiences can expect a rotating mix of talent, including performers recognized from television and popular podcasts. Enjoy an upbeat showcase of laughs at this neighborhood venue, with new faces and new material each time.

Unwind by the fireplace in the lounge while Dave Conley performs at the piano, creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere.

Country soul collides with rock and roll at The Salty Seal Brewpub and Sports Bar. Expect gritty tones in the spirit of Chris Stapleton, the smooth allure of Black Velvet, and a set packed with country rock favorites. It is the kind of night that stays with you long after the encore.

Presented by Carmel Guitar Society, this concert features acclaimed American classical guitarist Jennifer Kim at Pacific Grove Art Center for a program of virtuosic solo guitar. Known for remarkable technique and expressive depth, she has earned major accolades, including first prize at the Indiana International Guitar Competition at 17 and the Grand Prize at the Spotlight Awards, along with the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award and a podium finish at the Christopher Parkening International Young Guitarist Competition at 13. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in guitar performance from the Peabody Institute, where she studied with Manuel Barrueco. Her appearances include the Kennedy Center and the Sarasota Opera House, and she has performed Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez with the Mill Valley Philharmonic. Her debut recording, Seventeen, showcases demanding repertoire such as Walton’s Five Bagatelles, and her solo programs often highlight works by Agustín Barrios Mangoré and Miguel Llobet. She has also reached a wide audience through performances with Guitar Salon International. General admission is $40.

Live piano from Dave Conley fills the lounge, complemented by the warmth of a nearby fireplace. A relaxed, fireside atmosphere accompanies the performance.

Enjoy a sea-inspired special at Estéban's featuring freshly shucked West Coast oysters priced at $1 each. The team prepares them to order, and you can top them with lemon or Chef Steven's spiced house-made hot sauce. Reservations are recommended, and $1 oysters are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For reservations, call 831-375-0176.

A complimentary CRJ beginner swing lesson is offered for anyone interested in learning or helping out. After the lesson, a band performs Steinbeck era dance tunes. A $5 cover is added to the first drink.

Sunset Music Series at Asilomar showcases live bands in a relaxed seaside setting, pairing uplifting music with ocean air and memorable sunsets. This free, all-ages gathering welcomes friends, families, little ones, and furry companions. Food is available from Asilomar Smokehouse along with seasonal bites, and drinks include local craft beer from Other Brother Beer, Asilomar Wine, and a full bar. S’mores can be purchased, and outside food or drinks are not allowed. Guests may bring their own chairs or use the seating on site. Free parking is available on the property and on nearby streets. Please respect the natural surroundings by staying clear of native plants, clean up after yourselves and your pets, and dress in layers since it can get chilly after sunset. Make it a weekly tradition and enjoy a fresh lineup of bands as the sun goes down.

Experience the 26th annual festival celebrating Turkish arts and culture with live entertainment, dance, and visual art. Performances include folk and belly dancing, art displays, music by Group Taksim Big Band, and the Whirling Dervishes. Food vendors serve Doner Kebap, Adana Kebap, Borek, Baklava, Turkish coffee, and more. Children can enjoy puppet making, face painting, coloring, folk dance activities, and games. Admission is free.

Charlie Torch brings a powerhouse bluegrass lineup to the Otter Opry at Monterey United Methodist Church. Siblings Jasper Manning on mandolin and Jayna Manning on guitar perform with their father, fiddler Chad Manning, whose credits include Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands, the David Grisman Sextet, and the David Grisman Bluegrass Experience. They are joined by Tyler Stegall on banjo, Mike Witcher on dobro, and two time IBMA Bass Player of the Year Mark Schatz on bass. The group spans generations and blends bluegrass, country, and mountain music, pairing luminous harmonies with earthy drive. The sound is rooted in tradition yet refreshingly its own, delivered with a grounded touch that puts the music first. Tickets are $35, CBA members $30, and ages 15 and under are free.

Molchat Doma’s North American Tour makes a stop at the Golden State Theatre for a live performance.

Acclaimed singer, songwriter, and guitarist Tab Benoit brings his hallmark Louisiana swamp-blues sound to the Golden State Theatre. The Zac Schulze Gang joins as special guests.

Senior Day Resource Fair and Vet Connect returns with a community collaboration from ITNMontereyCounty, Alliance on Aging, MST, and Central Coast Senior Services, Inc., offering local resources for seniors and veterans. Held in the Seaside Room at the Monterey County Fair, it brings helpful connections together in one place. Seniors and veterans receive free gate admission to the fair during the event.

Petersen Automotive Museum members and friends can access exclusive savings during the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Championship Weekend at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, where the season reaches its finale on one of North America’s signature circuits. The title will be decided as leading drivers contest the closing round of a 17 race campaign, featuring high speed runs, bold overtakes, and late season drama in a scenic Monterey setting. After a year of close battles and record performances, this finale is set to raise the stakes once again. Hospitality and grandstand options are available for premium viewing and a heightened race weekend experience.

This no-cost, all-ages celebration of Italian culture features live music, dance, and a range of food booths. The atmosphere is lively, and the main stage buzzes with high-energy performances.

Boots on the Green is a country music festival presented under the Taste of Monterey Bay banner. Hosted at Bayonet Black Horse, it expands the Taste of Monterey Bay brand into a dedicated celebration of country music.

Indie rock legends The New Pornographers bring The Former Site Of Tour to Downtown Monterey with a tour stop in the heart of the city.

The season wraps up on the West Coast at a renowned race circuit, bringing a festival that blends motorsport and music. On track, look for wheel-to-wheel racing, time attack sessions, and full-course exhibition runs, plus a car show. When the engine noise quiets, AFTER GRID music takes over on the NOS Energy Stage. Off the track, the GRIDLIFE Arcade serves as the social hub with racing simulators and arcade games. Whether your passion is racing, an interest in drifting, or simply soaking in the scene, automotive enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy.

Otter Opry presents the Martha Spencer Duo for a night rich in Appalachian tradition and spirited string band energy. Martha Spencer, a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and dancer from Virginia’s Blue Ridge, grew up making music with the Spencer Family and learned guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass, dulcimer, mandolin, and flatfooting at an early age. She appears with Lucas Pasley on fiddle, banjo, and vocals, and together they offer an upbeat, heartfelt set that pairs the drive of old-time and bluegrass with the yearning of classic country. Press praise highlights Spencer’s deep roots and fresh touch, noting a lively blend that renews the high lonesome tradition. A smoked chicken dinner is available beforehand, priced at $15 in advance or $20 after, and tickets are available at the door.

Internationally recognized Irish traditional ensemble Téada returns to St. Mary’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church for an afternoon of music grounded in Ireland’s rich traditions. Featuring six accomplished musicians, the group has headlined major festivals across North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Australia.

This event features the legendary Geoff Tate for Operation: Mindcrime - The Final Chapter.

Round 6 of the 2026 season arrives in California at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. This USCA weekend blends challenges that gauge each car’s on-track performance, real-world drivability, and craftsmanship. The schedule features autocross, a road course time trial, the speed stop challenge, design and engineering evaluations, and a road rally. Scores from these five segments determine the Ultimate Street Car in each class at this stop, and class winners earn a chance to compete for the overall title at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas each year.

Aloha vibes fill Downtown Monterey as The Green performs alongside special guest Johnny Suite, creating an upbeat, island-inspired atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Safeguarding clean water takes daily commitment. Across the Central Coast, Monterey Waterkeeper works to stop pollution, restore waterways, and make safe, affordable drinking water accessible to every community. This autumn garden gathering reflects that purpose through community and stewardship. In the relaxed garden setting of the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, supporters, advocates, and community members come together to focus on protecting the region’s most essential resource. Attendees can expect a welcoming outdoor atmosphere, meaningful conversations, and clear insight into local water protection efforts, along with opportunities to support clean water initiatives across the Central Coast and learn practical ways to help.

Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen performs at the Golden State Theatre in a show devoted to the music of Queen.

Kids can explore smart money habits through a hands-on activity at the Money Munchkins pop-up table. Designed for ages 3 to 10, the experience centers on crafting a Dollar Defense Shield that symbolizes protecting their money. As they color, cut, and assemble their shield, children learn key ideas like saving, spending thoughtfully, and keeping money secure. Parents receive practical tips to continue teaching money safety and responsible habits at home. For special accommodation, contact Angelica Sagastume at angelica.felixsagastume@nps.edu or 831-656-3528.

At Monterey County Fairgrounds, Gears and biers OCTOBERFEST brings a lively weekend highlighted by the second annual DIST 36 Reunion. The focus is on bikes and storytelling, with chances to display rides, share memories, and enjoy some bench racing. Music adds to the atmosphere while show bikes and race bikes share the spotlight alongside vendors, bars, dancing, and dinner.

El Estero Park hosts the 27th annual Monterey Bay Walk & Roll to Cure ALS, a community outdoor event focused on raising funds for free ALS care services and research pursuing effective treatments and cures. Participants come together to walk or roll in honor of people living with ALS, in memory of those lost, and in support of the entire ALS community. The event offers a meaningful atmosphere with plenty of inspiration and fun for everyone involved.

Comedian Brian Regan delivers a stand-up performance at the Golden State Theatre on the West Coast.

Step back into the world of Twin Peaks with a live conversation featuring cast members from the celebrated series. Created by Mark Frost and David Lynch, the show first aired in 1990 and returned in 2017 with many familiar faces, earning a devoted following and frequent recognition among television’s all-time greats. Presented by David Roy Williams Entertainment under license from Paramount Location-Based Experiences, this event offers fans a chance to hear personal memories from on-screen moments and life behind the scenes. VIP ticket holders can take a photo with Conversation With The Stars cast members, and autographs will be available as a separate purchase. Twin Peaks is available to buy digitally and is streaming on Paramount+ and Pluto TV.

Steven Curtis Chapman brings the Speechless 25th Anniversary Tour to Golden State Theatre in Monterey, celebrating 25 years of the album that delivered seven number one radio hits, including the title track. The concert features Speechless performed in full from start to finish, with favorites like Dive, Be Still and Know, and Fingerprints of God, along with more hits and a few surprises as the tour enters its final run. For ticket safety, third party resales on TPR. pages are not permitted, and purchases made through unofficial sellers are not guaranteed or supported, so obtain tickets only through the official outlet for this event.

Returning with two ways to compete, the Monterey Bay Pickleball Open offers amateur brackets organized by age and skill level, plus an Open Money Ball division featuring competitive prize-pool play that carries an additional entry fee. Registration uses tiered pricing that begins at $80 and later rises to $100 and then $120. The tournament is already two-thirds full, with 204 of 300 spots taken, so space is limited.

Blippi’s Be Like Blippi live tour arrives at the Golden State Theatre in Downtown Monterey with an interactive, education-focused evening for families. Share in playful learning and energetic moments as Blippi brings this live experience to the stage.

A multi day crop offers a choice of three days for $375 or four days for $425. Hosted at an Embassy Suites hotel just two blocks from the beach, the property is offering special room rates of $235 for a king suite or $245 for a double queen suite, with breakfast and an evening reception included.